Course Catalog

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BILLIONAIRESWATCH.ORG (PO3066)

“billionaireswatch.org” is combining a research seminar with watchdog activism, exploring the roles of billionaires in politics in order to develop a framework with which to scrutinize their influence. We study the role of private wealth in public policy-making and explore how a watchdog website may lead to greater transparency and accountability

POLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST (PO3072)

Introduces the contemporary politics of the Middle East, from Turkey and Iran to the Atlantic Ocean, including all the Arab countries of West Asia and North Africa as well as Israel. Focuses on political trends (nationalism and religious fundamentalism), key historical experiences and traumatic events (wars and revolutions), and the interference of world powers that contributed to shaping this sensitive area.

KANT, HEGEL, AND BEYOND (PO3076)

Philosophical and political modernity concerns the development of rationality, freedom, and social responsibility from out of the tensions between ethics, religion, politics and the economy. With postmodernist epistemology, the so-called 'return' of religion, and economic globalization, this 'modernity' has been questioned. In this historical context the course re-elaborates the problematic of modernity through selective reading of Kant, Hegel, and Nietzsche.

WAR ON TERRORISM (PO3078)

Examines the role of force, including coercive diplomacy, in contemporary international relations. Considers definitions of national security, alliance systems, force structures, force deployments, and coercive diplomacy. Examines the entire spectrum of force from terrorism and counter-terrorism, insurgency and counter-insurgency, low-intensity conflict, to conventional and nuclear weapon systems.

TOPICS IN INTERNAT'L & COMPARATIVE POL (PO3091)

Topics courses change every semester, offering advanced study in themes, theories and issues beyond the regular departmental course offerings. Taught by permanent or visiting faculty, recent Topics courses include: 'The French Elections', 'Refugee and Asylum Law', 'Turkey and the EU', or 'Law and Corruption'.

INTERNSHIP (PO3098)

Internships are commonly pursued in non-governmental organizations, international development networks or research institutes, but can also be completed in a variety of other institutions depending on students’ interests and initiative. The University cannot guarantee placement in an internship, but will provide assistance with the internship search. Junior standing is recommended as well as early contact with the Internship Office for registration purposes. Internships can be registered for 1 or 4-CR depending on the situation.

EDITORSHIP (PO3850)

This course is designed for students involved in editing, writing and producing The Planet and The Peacock. It offers basic instruction and hands-on experience in newspaper and magazine composition. The course will cover everything that comes up in the process of producing a publication, from reporting, writing and editing to page design to working according to a production schedule. A constant concern will be the challenge facing print editors in the Internet age: how to create reader-friendly publications that are informative and attractive enough to appeal despite the draw of the Web. The production of The Planet and The Peacock will be the main work of the course.

TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE (PO4040)

This class critically examines the phenomenon of transitional justice, surveying the methods used, the problems inherent therein, and the assumptions underlying the application of transitional justice tools.
The course will offer an optional trip to Bosnia and Serbia over spring break to meet with institutions working towards reconciliation and rule of law in those countries.

SENIOR SEMINAR (PO4090)

The senior seminar is the culmination of the degree program and is designed to encourage students to combine their skilled analysis of the political in a challenging new context. While topics cover all three track concentrations, the goal of the seminar is to foster a sense of intellectual autonomy, to facilitate the ability to assess paradigms, and to provide a platform for a professional oral presentation of research results, as well as the incorporation of original research in a written thesis. Recent seminar topics include: Sovereignty, International Criminal Law, and Democracy.